A landmark in Keaau town, Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will observe its annual O-Bon Festival on Friday and Saturday. Resident minister David Fujimoto will conduct the 6 p.m. service on both nights. ADVERTISING A landmark in Keaau town, Puna Hongwanji
A landmark in Keaau town, Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will observe its annual O-Bon Festival on Friday and Saturday. Resident minister David Fujimoto will conduct the 6 p.m. service on both nights.
The featured guest speaker Saturday will be the Rev. Marcos Sawada, resident minister for Higashi Hongwanji.
From live music performed by the Hilo Bon Dance Club to the recorded music, participants and spectators are guaranteed a fun evening of entertainment.
Once again, Tanabata Time is slated for Saturday, starting at 4 p.m.
The Star Festival traces its origins to a legend that the Cowherd Star (Altair) and Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year — on the seventh day of the seventh month.
People write wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches praying their wishes will come true.
Activities taking place on the temple grounds include a craft fair, taiko performance by Puna Taiko, games, Tanabata crafts — Hachimaki, origami, sasa as well as tanzaku making, and ends with Matsuri dancing. Matsuri dances are line dances that are livelier than typical bon dances.
The craft fair will be open until 8 p.m. The traditional bon dance will follow the Hatsubon service beginning at 6 p.m.
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